If your property is more than 15 years old, it's possible that it contains materials made from asbestos.

Common locations are listed below but there may be others in your home - so if in doubt leave well alone and seek expert advice from a licensed asbestos removal contractor. Details of licensed contractors can be found on the Health and Safety Executive webpage or do refer to your local business directory.

This advice is aimed at householders. The Health and Safety Executive have produced a number of leaflets which are more appropriate for businesses.

The general rule is to always leave asbestos alone, it's usually safe unless it's damaged or disturbed.

Paint indoor materials with an alkali resistant paint such as PVA emulsion, and never sand, drill or saw asbestos materials.

Always seek advice before thinking of removing asbestos and follow the basic rules below if carrying out asbestos cement removal work. Do not attempt to remove asbestos lagging, spray coatings or large areas of Insulation Board by yourself as these materials can only be safely removed by a licensed contractor.

Sometimes it will be necessary to take a sample, for example to identify the type of asbestos.